Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry; give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit. Psalm 17:1
During the NCAA basketball tournament, it's amazing how the referees get it right when they penalize the other team and are totally wrong when they penalize my team. I'm sure I see things from a much better perspective than they do.
How often do we think that "our side" has the just argument? I'm so sure that if God would just pay attention to me, he would see that I deserve better than I'm getting. I'm sure that I see things the way they really are. I hate to admit that I might be more likely to see things the way I want them to be or that in my desire to win God's favor I may tell the "truth" I think God wants to hear.
As we near the end of this period of self-examination in preparation for Easter, it is good to remember that God hears our cries, not because we are just or deserving, but because we need his forgiveness and compassion so much.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Be gracious to your people, we entreat you, O Lord, that they, repenting day by day of the things that displease you, may be more and more filled with love of you and of your commandments; and, being supported by your grace in this life, may come to the full enjoyment of eternal life in your everlasting kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The collect for today speaks of "repenting day by day" and being "more and more filled with love" of God. The sense of both of these phrases is that we often strengthen our relationship with God gradually rather than all at once. Turning our lives around is a bit like a plant which turns in the direction of the sun. It happens a little bit every day until it is facing the light. So we also may turn toward the light of God's love and forgiveness.
The collect for today speaks of "repenting day by day" and being "more and more filled with love" of God. The sense of both of these phrases is that we often strengthen our relationship with God gradually rather than all at once. Turning our lives around is a bit like a plant which turns in the direction of the sun. It happens a little bit every day until it is facing the light. So we also may turn toward the light of God's love and forgiveness.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
A Heartfelt Covenant
Jeremiah was so given to dire predictions that a jeremiad means a gloomy prospect. However, in our lessons for tomorrow, he is predicting a time when we will actually know God deeply and fully. See tomorrow's readings here.
A flood that saves
On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’”
John 7:37-38
The scripture Jesus quotes is part of the story of the Israelites wandering in the wilderness with Moses. God provides them with water from a rock but also chastises Moses for not trusting in him. It is powerful to think about living water coming not only from God but from the believer’s heart – that’s you and me. Out of our faith and trust in God can come actions and examples which quench the thirst for spiritual refreshment of those whom we encounter. So working to strengthen our relationship with God, giving our best efforts to live faithfully each day, attempting to trust in God rather than thinking that we are the measure of all that is important, can be good not only for ourselves but just as good and vital for others. Awesome!
John 7:37-38
The scripture Jesus quotes is part of the story of the Israelites wandering in the wilderness with Moses. God provides them with water from a rock but also chastises Moses for not trusting in him. It is powerful to think about living water coming not only from God but from the believer’s heart – that’s you and me. Out of our faith and trust in God can come actions and examples which quench the thirst for spiritual refreshment of those whom we encounter. So working to strengthen our relationship with God, giving our best efforts to live faithfully each day, attempting to trust in God rather than thinking that we are the measure of all that is important, can be good not only for ourselves but just as good and vital for others. Awesome!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Rescued from what?
The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their cry.
The face of the Lord is against evildoers,
to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
When the righteous cry for help,
the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles.
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted,
and saves the crushed in spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
but the Lord rescues them from them all.
He keeps all their bones;
not one of them will be broken.
Evil brings death to the wicked,
and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
The Lord redeems the life of his servants;
none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.
Psalm 34:15-22
We want to believe that God will in some way rescue us from all our troubles, but too often they seem to keep piling up. More likely is that God stays near us in our troubles and keeps them from crushing our spirit. Faith that is strong and life-giving is intertwined with hope for better times. It is hopelessness that is the true antithesis of faith. Our faith is in a God who has suffered for us, so that we can be assured he also suffers with us and leads us through our suffering into resurrection and the courage to live another day.
and his ears are open to their cry.
The face of the Lord is against evildoers,
to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
When the righteous cry for help,
the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles.
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted,
and saves the crushed in spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
but the Lord rescues them from them all.
He keeps all their bones;
not one of them will be broken.
Evil brings death to the wicked,
and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
The Lord redeems the life of his servants;
none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.
Psalm 34:15-22
We want to believe that God will in some way rescue us from all our troubles, but too often they seem to keep piling up. More likely is that God stays near us in our troubles and keeps them from crushing our spirit. Faith that is strong and life-giving is intertwined with hope for better times. It is hopelessness that is the true antithesis of faith. Our faith is in a God who has suffered for us, so that we can be assured he also suffers with us and leads us through our suffering into resurrection and the courage to live another day.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Wholly or Holy Thine?
Almighty and most merciful God, drive from us all weakness of body, mind, and spirit; that, being restored to wholeness, we may with free hearts become what you intend us to be and accomplish what you want us to do; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
I'm sure that the author of this collect had in mind Lenten and other temptations when writing of "weakness of body, " but I wonder if there aren't times when it's good to admit that are bodies are weak, at least weak enough to need rest and refreshment. Whether or not we keep our bodies strong, we have a tendency to push them in our hectic lives such that most of us are sleep deprived and poorly nourished, if not actually malnourished. Maybe we should pray that God will show us how to restore our bodies to wholeness, so that we can work to bring wholeness to the rest of his creation.
I'm sure that the author of this collect had in mind Lenten and other temptations when writing of "weakness of body, " but I wonder if there aren't times when it's good to admit that are bodies are weak, at least weak enough to need rest and refreshment. Whether or not we keep our bodies strong, we have a tendency to push them in our hectic lives such that most of us are sleep deprived and poorly nourished, if not actually malnourished. Maybe we should pray that God will show us how to restore our bodies to wholeness, so that we can work to bring wholeness to the rest of his creation.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Now hear this!
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God . . . to a virgin [whose] name was Mary. And he came to her and said, . . . "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" The angel said to her, "For nothing will be impossible with God." Then Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her.
This encounter between the human and the divine has been depicted as much as almost any other story from scripture. One of my favorites, which in the Cloisters Museum in New York, is a triptych. Gabriel and Mary are in the center panel. The benefactors who commissioned the painting, and possibly the church in which it was to reside, are pictured in the left panel. In the right panel is an image of Joseph working in his carpentry shop. He appears to be completely oblivious to what is going on, to the incredible announcement made by the angel Gabriel to Mary.
How often are we like Joseph, minding our own business, unaware of God's active presence in our world? How often do we fail to realize the part we are playing or will be asked to play in the coming of God's kingdom in this world?
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Metaphors to explain the inexplicable
O God, with you is the well of life, and in your light we see light. Quench our thirst with living water, and flood our darkened minds with heavenly light; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
This collect may be a litle heavy with metaphors -- God as a filled well and as heavenly light. But these are two metaphors repeatedly entwined with our understanding of Lent.
The word Lent comes from a word for spring when the light of longer days is coming into our lives as the light of God's loving forgiveness comes into our lives through Christ's resurrection.
Lent developed as the time for final preparations before adult baptisms at sunrise on Easter. For those of us who have already been baptized, Lent is a time when we attempt again to live into our baptismal vows and depend on God to accept our repentance.
Both living water and light are gifts from God, and we are blessed to receive them over and over.
This collect may be a litle heavy with metaphors -- God as a filled well and as heavenly light. But these are two metaphors repeatedly entwined with our understanding of Lent.
The word Lent comes from a word for spring when the light of longer days is coming into our lives as the light of God's loving forgiveness comes into our lives through Christ's resurrection.
Lent developed as the time for final preparations before adult baptisms at sunrise on Easter. For those of us who have already been baptized, Lent is a time when we attempt again to live into our baptismal vows and depend on God to accept our repentance.
Both living water and light are gifts from God, and we are blessed to receive them over and over.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Peaceable Kingdom? Where? When?
The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like the ox; but the serpent—its food shall be dust! They shall not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, says the Lord.
Isaiah 65:25
This passage is one that has morphed over the years into "the lion shall lie down with the lamb." It's an image of a new era of peace after the Jews returned from Babylonian exile. It's an image that has given people hope for nearly 3,000 years. In the world that is imagined by the prophet, all the alienation of the world that is the result of sin shall be ended. There will no longer be natural enemies, such as the wolf and the lamb, and the serpent who brought sin into the world shall be starved out of existence.
We still live in a world where the weak are afraid of the strong, and where some are like the lion who preys on those further down the food chain. But in faith we can still work to overcome this strife and fear. And in faith we can live with an active hope to bring the peaceable kingdom about.
Isaiah 65:25
This passage is one that has morphed over the years into "the lion shall lie down with the lamb." It's an image of a new era of peace after the Jews returned from Babylonian exile. It's an image that has given people hope for nearly 3,000 years. In the world that is imagined by the prophet, all the alienation of the world that is the result of sin shall be ended. There will no longer be natural enemies, such as the wolf and the lamb, and the serpent who brought sin into the world shall be starved out of existence.
We still live in a world where the weak are afraid of the strong, and where some are like the lion who preys on those further down the food chain. But in faith we can still work to overcome this strife and fear. And in faith we can live with an active hope to bring the peaceable kingdom about.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Make a glad noise
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:4-9
Today Thomas Ken, a 17th century English cleric, is honored. He was in and out of favor with James II and William of Orange for his prickly conscience. But the main reason we remember his is that he wrote several hymns, including in several the words we think of as the Doxology.
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Few words are more beloved in worship. Few can be sung by more people, expressing the words from Philippians appointed for today. It is hard to sing them and not rejoice in the Lord.
Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:4-9
Today Thomas Ken, a 17th century English cleric, is honored. He was in and out of favor with James II and William of Orange for his prickly conscience. But the main reason we remember his is that he wrote several hymns, including in several the words we think of as the Doxology.
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Few words are more beloved in worship. Few can be sung by more people, expressing the words from Philippians appointed for today. It is hard to sing them and not rejoice in the Lord.
Snake in the Brass
Friday, March 20, 2009
Falling into love
Grant us, O Lord our Strength, a true love of your holy Name; so that, trusting in your grace, we may fear no earthly evil, nor fix our hearts on earthly goods, but may rejoice in your full salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Right after forgiveness, probably the hardest thing is to trust. A recent TV ad shows a man “learning” to trust by falling backward into the arms of a much smaller gecko. Presumably if the man continues his downward arc, he’ll have a painful fall and the gecko will be crushed. Neither man nor lizard is likely to trust again.
Too often we fear that trusting will expose us either to a painful fall or to being crushed. And trusting in someone who owes us nothing or in a generous gift we know we do not deserve, let alone being able to earn, makes us feel just that exposed and vulnerable. Only when we have faith that God is not only strong but also loving, not only just but also compassionate, can we begin to trust.
Faith doesn’t do away with the need to trust. It simply helps us to understand that the promise of a lifegiving and lively relationship with our God is enticement enough to overcome our fears and allow us to fall into his loving embrace.
Right after forgiveness, probably the hardest thing is to trust. A recent TV ad shows a man “learning” to trust by falling backward into the arms of a much smaller gecko. Presumably if the man continues his downward arc, he’ll have a painful fall and the gecko will be crushed. Neither man nor lizard is likely to trust again.
Too often we fear that trusting will expose us either to a painful fall or to being crushed. And trusting in someone who owes us nothing or in a generous gift we know we do not deserve, let alone being able to earn, makes us feel just that exposed and vulnerable. Only when we have faith that God is not only strong but also loving, not only just but also compassionate, can we begin to trust.
Faith doesn’t do away with the need to trust. It simply helps us to understand that the promise of a lifegiving and lively relationship with our God is enticement enough to overcome our fears and allow us to fall into his loving embrace.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
To bow or not to bow -- that is the question
O come, let us worship and bow down,
let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!
For he is our God,
and we are the people of his pasture,
and the sheep of his hand.
Psalm 95:6-7
Those who followed Morning Prayer as a regular form of worship recognize these as the closing lines of the Venite which is often recited before the psalm of the day. In our day the act of kneeling is seen as too subservient for some people. But a passage like this fills this person with a sense of the awe of being in God’s presence. To be before the one who has made us and who still keeps us nourished in her pasture and safe in his hand is an opportunity to be filled with joy and thanksgiving. Some people might even see it as an honor to be able to kneel before such a God.
let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!
For he is our God,
and we are the people of his pasture,
and the sheep of his hand.
Psalm 95:6-7
Those who followed Morning Prayer as a regular form of worship recognize these as the closing lines of the Venite which is often recited before the psalm of the day. In our day the act of kneeling is seen as too subservient for some people. But a passage like this fills this person with a sense of the awe of being in God’s presence. To be before the one who has made us and who still keeps us nourished in her pasture and safe in his hand is an opportunity to be filled with joy and thanksgiving. Some people might even see it as an honor to be able to kneel before such a God.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers. Shakespeare
So now, Israel, give heed to the statutes and ordinances that I am teaching you to observe, so that you may live to enter and occupy the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. You must neither add anything to what I command you nor take away anything from it, but keep the commandments of the Lord your God with which I am charging you.
Deuteronomy 4:1-2
The basic statutes which the Israelites were to observe were the Ten Commandments. Of course they couldn’t resist adding to the basic rules, and by the time Jesus came along there were 613 commandments derived from scripture: 365 negative commandments, corresponding to the number of days in a solar year, and 248 positive commandments, ascribed to the number of bones and significant organs in the human body. We have a hard time accepting that we cannot improve on God’s work. And in spite of all the additions we made to the original commandments, we could still forget why we were given the commandments in the first place – to show us how to love the Lord our God above all else and our neighbor as ourselves. If we work really hard on those two, the other 10 or 611 will take care of themselves.
Deuteronomy 4:1-2
The basic statutes which the Israelites were to observe were the Ten Commandments. Of course they couldn’t resist adding to the basic rules, and by the time Jesus came along there were 613 commandments derived from scripture: 365 negative commandments, corresponding to the number of days in a solar year, and 248 positive commandments, ascribed to the number of bones and significant organs in the human body. We have a hard time accepting that we cannot improve on God’s work. And in spite of all the additions we made to the original commandments, we could still forget why we were given the commandments in the first place – to show us how to love the Lord our God above all else and our neighbor as ourselves. If we work really hard on those two, the other 10 or 611 will take care of themselves.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Get the number right!
Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.
Matthew 18:21-22
Here’s that forgiveness stuff again. And the accountant in me wants to be sure I have the right number. Evidently the New Revised Standard Version has had a markdown sale over other versions. It was always seventy times seven or 490 times we had to forgive in the past. Now it’s only 77 times we must forgive. That’s still pretty exhausting. Maybe if someone does the same sinful thing to another person 77 times, it really becomes part of the way they deal with other and it quits seeming like a sin. It reminds me of a set of rules:
Rule 1. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Rule 2. It’s all small stuff.
Generally I’d guess that our sins are small stuff compared to God’s love and willingness to forgive our sins.
Matthew 18:21-22
Here’s that forgiveness stuff again. And the accountant in me wants to be sure I have the right number. Evidently the New Revised Standard Version has had a markdown sale over other versions. It was always seventy times seven or 490 times we had to forgive in the past. Now it’s only 77 times we must forgive. That’s still pretty exhausting. Maybe if someone does the same sinful thing to another person 77 times, it really becomes part of the way they deal with other and it quits seeming like a sin. It reminds me of a set of rules:
Rule 1. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Rule 2. It’s all small stuff.
Generally I’d guess that our sins are small stuff compared to God’s love and willingness to forgive our sins.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Right in our own backyard
“Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s hometown. 25But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; 26yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. 27There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.” 28When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. 29They got up, drove him out of the town . . .
Luke 4:24-29
On the one hand Jesus’ neighbors could see him as nothing more than the carpenter’s boy, a kid from the wrong side of the tracks. On the other hand they didn’t want anyone else getting more from him than they were. Jesus reminds them that God has always been concerned about outsiders – those not among the “chosen people.” It’s a reminder that we need for our own times. God is concerned for the outsiders among us and those nearby. And often the one who can understand them and minister to them best is someone who hasn’t been especially noteworthy in our group. We should always be aware of all people who are reaching out to the marginal and marginalized groups – and we are called to follow their example. They show the face of Christ to those they serve and remind us of Christ’s call to us to care for “the least of these.”
Luke 4:24-29
On the one hand Jesus’ neighbors could see him as nothing more than the carpenter’s boy, a kid from the wrong side of the tracks. On the other hand they didn’t want anyone else getting more from him than they were. Jesus reminds them that God has always been concerned about outsiders – those not among the “chosen people.” It’s a reminder that we need for our own times. God is concerned for the outsiders among us and those nearby. And often the one who can understand them and minister to them best is someone who hasn’t been especially noteworthy in our group. We should always be aware of all people who are reaching out to the marginal and marginalized groups – and we are called to follow their example. They show the face of Christ to those they serve and remind us of Christ’s call to us to care for “the least of these.”
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Jesus the Punster
John's telling of Jesus' driving the money changers out of the temple is a biblical pun. Read it for yourself in Sunday's lessons here.
We are all invited!
“Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!”
Luke 15:29b-30
This is near the end of the story of the Prodigal Son. When he returns and his father rejoices, the older, reliable son doesn’t think the celebration is fair. How come the “good” son doesn’t get this great party?
We should all be grateful that God’s love is not fair. It is merciful and abundant and wants to welcome us back into God’s presence, whether we've been the "good" child or the "prodigal." And when we can be joyful that all people are invited and included far beyond what is fair, our hearts will be filled with the desire to celebrate in thanksgiving.
Luke 15:29b-30
This is near the end of the story of the Prodigal Son. When he returns and his father rejoices, the older, reliable son doesn’t think the celebration is fair. How come the “good” son doesn’t get this great party?
We should all be grateful that God’s love is not fair. It is merciful and abundant and wants to welcome us back into God’s presence, whether we've been the "good" child or the "prodigal." And when we can be joyful that all people are invited and included far beyond what is fair, our hearts will be filled with the desire to celebrate in thanksgiving.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Can we forgive?
Grant, O Lord, that as your Son Jesus Christ prayed for his enemles on the cross, so we may have grace to forgive those who wrongfully or scornfully use us, that we ourselves may be able to receive your forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
Forgiveness is tough. When Jesus was praying for his enemies on the cross, there was no chance they were going to be able to hurt the humanity of him ever again. But it's harder to forgive, to give up hurt and anger, to let go of the fear of being hurt or humiliated again, when the other person may have the opportunity to hurt us again. It takes trust to forgive. Initially our trust must be in God's abundant love, which will offer us comfort in all the times we are betrayed by the world. After we trust in God's love, we can have the courage to let down our defenses and begin to trust our enemies and the world around us once again.
Forgiveness is tough. When Jesus was praying for his enemies on the cross, there was no chance they were going to be able to hurt the humanity of him ever again. But it's harder to forgive, to give up hurt and anger, to let go of the fear of being hurt or humiliated again, when the other person may have the opportunity to hurt us again. It takes trust to forgive. Initially our trust must be in God's abundant love, which will offer us comfort in all the times we are betrayed by the world. After we trust in God's love, we can have the courage to let down our defenses and begin to trust our enemies and the world around us once again.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Serving by Leading
But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all.
Mark 10:43-44
Today we honor Pope Gregory I or Gregory the Great, as he is often known. He was born into a wealthy family and prepared for a life of public service. However, when he was ordained a deacon, he sought to live a monastic life. It was not to be. His background and abilities suited him to be an ambassador and secretary for Pope Pelagius II and caused him to be elected Pelagius’s successor. The Roman Empire was crumbling at the time Gregory was pope, and he not only led the church; he also was responsible for the much-needed welfare system and most of the public works of Rome.
We are called to serve others in many ways. Sometimes we serve by leading, by taking on the commitment that leadership requires, and by risking criticism by those who resent or resist our leadership. Agreeing to lead can force us to give up our own desires, as it forced Gregory to abandon the monastic life. The key is to do our best to discern God’s will and to use our abilities in ways that honor God.
Mark 10:43-44
Today we honor Pope Gregory I or Gregory the Great, as he is often known. He was born into a wealthy family and prepared for a life of public service. However, when he was ordained a deacon, he sought to live a monastic life. It was not to be. His background and abilities suited him to be an ambassador and secretary for Pope Pelagius II and caused him to be elected Pelagius’s successor. The Roman Empire was crumbling at the time Gregory was pope, and he not only led the church; he also was responsible for the much-needed welfare system and most of the public works of Rome.
We are called to serve others in many ways. Sometimes we serve by leading, by taking on the commitment that leadership requires, and by risking criticism by those who resent or resist our leadership. Agreeing to lead can force us to give up our own desires, as it forced Gregory to abandon the monastic life. The key is to do our best to discern God’s will and to use our abilities in ways that honor God.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Loving for God's sake
O God, you so loved the world that you gave your only-begotten Son to reconcile earth with heaven: Grant that we, loving you above all things, may love our friends in you, and our enemies for your sake; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
This prayer speaks of God’s desire to bring about the reconciliation with humanity which has been lost since Adam and Eve decided they knew what was right better than God. Our part in bringing about that healing of the rupture in our relationship with God seems to be loving others because we love God most of all. Friends we need to love as gifts from God who reveal God’s love for us. Enemies we are to love because God loves them and wants them to be reconciled as much as he wants the same for us.
How different our dealings with “enemies” or adversaries might be when we remind ourselves that God loves them. Conflicts and disagreements will still arise, and some acts will still deserve punishment. But how we treat them is bound to be affected by the importance we put on God’s love for them.
This prayer speaks of God’s desire to bring about the reconciliation with humanity which has been lost since Adam and Eve decided they knew what was right better than God. Our part in bringing about that healing of the rupture in our relationship with God seems to be loving others because we love God most of all. Friends we need to love as gifts from God who reveal God’s love for us. Enemies we are to love because God loves them and wants them to be reconciled as much as he wants the same for us.
How different our dealings with “enemies” or adversaries might be when we remind ourselves that God loves them. Conflicts and disagreements will still arise, and some acts will still deserve punishment. But how we treat them is bound to be affected by the importance we put on God’s love for them.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Practicing what you preach?
The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach.
Jesus (Matthew 23:2-3)
What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
We have all observed hypocrisy in others and have had disdain for the act and the actor. It’s especially hard to be aware of behavior that does not track words in those we think should be setting an example – athletes, teachers, priests and parents, to name a few. What we forget is that each of us sets an example for someone. It is humbling to realize that our actions will help to form the values of another person and may affect the world for generations to come. Our actions probably have more power to spread the Gospel than anything we ever will say. We should use that power carefully and with careful attention to the ways it communicates God’s love and respect for all people.
Jesus (Matthew 23:2-3)
What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
We have all observed hypocrisy in others and have had disdain for the act and the actor. It’s especially hard to be aware of behavior that does not track words in those we think should be setting an example – athletes, teachers, priests and parents, to name a few. What we forget is that each of us sets an example for someone. It is humbling to realize that our actions will help to form the values of another person and may affect the world for generations to come. Our actions probably have more power to spread the Gospel than anything we ever will say. We should use that power carefully and with careful attention to the ways it communicates God’s love and respect for all people.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Spring Cleaning?
Let your Spirit, O Lord, come into the midst of us to wash us
with the pure water of repentance, and prepare us to be
always a living sacrifice to you; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one
God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Lent is intertwined with baptism and repentance, It was originally a time to prepare for baptism. It was also a time for "notorious sinners" to repent and be reconciled with the church. I don't know a lot of notorious sinners personally, but I know a lot of people who would be helped by remembering their baptismal vows and the promises of God in baptism. We are promised that although we are only baptized once, God will offer us innumerable chances to try again -- with a clean slate. The challenge is for us to really want to turn our lives in God's direction.
with the pure water of repentance, and prepare us to be
always a living sacrifice to you; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one
God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Lent is intertwined with baptism and repentance, It was originally a time to prepare for baptism. It was also a time for "notorious sinners" to repent and be reconciled with the church. I don't know a lot of notorious sinners personally, but I know a lot of people who would be helped by remembering their baptismal vows and the promises of God in baptism. We are promised that although we are only baptized once, God will offer us innumerable chances to try again -- with a clean slate. The challenge is for us to really want to turn our lives in God's direction.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Saturday, March 07, 2009
It's about the cross
(Thanks to Hieronymus Bosch)
Would you be helping to carry the cross or just ridiculing those who do?
To put yourself in the picture and to prepare for March 8, the lessons can be found here.
Treasured by God
Today you have obtained the Lord’s agreement: to be your God; and for you to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, his commandments, and his ordinances, and to obey him. 18Today the Lord has obtained your agreement: to be his treasured people, as he promised you. . .
Deuteronomy 26:17-18a
The Israelites are preparing to enter the promised land after 40 years (a long time) in the wilderness. They are being reminded of what God has promised them and what he expects of them. Sometimes I think we focus too much on the rules, what we ought to do and how we feel bad when we don’t do what we’re supposed to do. Then we forget what God’s promise is – to all of us. We will be his treasured people. In a time when earthly treasure is so much in peril, when relationships are often precarious, how nice to think of being treasured in all times and in all places. That makes doing God’s will much more about pleasing someone who holds us dear.
Deuteronomy 26:17-18a
The Israelites are preparing to enter the promised land after 40 years (a long time) in the wilderness. They are being reminded of what God has promised them and what he expects of them. Sometimes I think we focus too much on the rules, what we ought to do and how we feel bad when we don’t do what we’re supposed to do. Then we forget what God’s promise is – to all of us. We will be his treasured people. In a time when earthly treasure is so much in peril, when relationships are often precarious, how nice to think of being treasured in all times and in all places. That makes doing God’s will much more about pleasing someone who holds us dear.
Friday, March 06, 2009
Staying on Course
For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, says the Lord God. Turn, then, and live.
Ezekiel 18:32
Repentance, turning our lives around, so that we head in God’s direction, is one of the main messages and goals of Lent. Of course, it’s also a message that we need to hear and a goal that we need to set for ourselves throughout our lives.
I often think about the fact that jets spend most of their air time off course, turning constantly to get back on course and head in the direction of their planned destination. No matter how much time we spend in prayer and devotion, no matter how many good deeds we do to help our neighbor, we still need help getting back on course, reminding ourselves that we are dependent on a loving God who wants us to seek him – who wants to be found.
And Ezekiel reminds us that for God no one is beyond redemption. All of us have the opportunity in Lent and throughout the year to get back on course and experience the rich, abundant life of faith.
Ezekiel 18:32
Repentance, turning our lives around, so that we head in God’s direction, is one of the main messages and goals of Lent. Of course, it’s also a message that we need to hear and a goal that we need to set for ourselves throughout our lives.
I often think about the fact that jets spend most of their air time off course, turning constantly to get back on course and head in the direction of their planned destination. No matter how much time we spend in prayer and devotion, no matter how many good deeds we do to help our neighbor, we still need help getting back on course, reminding ourselves that we are dependent on a loving God who wants us to seek him – who wants to be found.
And Ezekiel reminds us that for God no one is beyond redemption. All of us have the opportunity in Lent and throughout the year to get back on course and experience the rich, abundant life of faith.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
"Priceless" Help
Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve my life;
Psalm 138:7a
Almost all of us feel ourselves “in the midst of trouble” with the current economic woes, either because of a reversal that we’ve already experienced or because of our anxiety about the future. The challenge for people of faith is to remember that God offers meaning for our lives beyond our financial well being. No matter how insurmountable our current problems may seem to us, God reminds us in various ways that our gifts and abilities have value and that they can be used to make the world a better, more caring place. Even when our financial resources are low, there are many ways to assist those in need -- fix something, carry something, visit, offer a ride. How many “priceless” ways could you help someone today?
you preserve my life;
Psalm 138:7a
Almost all of us feel ourselves “in the midst of trouble” with the current economic woes, either because of a reversal that we’ve already experienced or because of our anxiety about the future. The challenge for people of faith is to remember that God offers meaning for our lives beyond our financial well being. No matter how insurmountable our current problems may seem to us, God reminds us in various ways that our gifts and abilities have value and that they can be used to make the world a better, more caring place. Even when our financial resources are low, there are many ways to assist those in need -- fix something, carry something, visit, offer a ride. How many “priceless” ways could you help someone today?
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
How many chances do we need?
Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: 2 "Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you."
Jonah 3:1-2
When Jonah refused to go to Nineveh the first time, because he didn’t think they deserved to be saved, he ended up in the belly of a big fish. Now God is giving both Nineveh and Jonah a second chance. Jonah goes to Nineveh and warns them of God’s wrath. The people heed his warning and repent. This ticks old Jonah off. He still doesn’t think they deserve to be saved. Jonah still needs another chance.
When we are called by God to persevere in doing good for people who don’t seem to appreciate or even recognize God’s love, maybe we are the ones who need another chance. How many chances do we need to realize that God loves all people, not just the ones we think deserve that love? How many chances do we need to be convinced that God wants all of us to proclaim and spread that love – everywhere and all the time?
Jonah 3:1-2
When Jonah refused to go to Nineveh the first time, because he didn’t think they deserved to be saved, he ended up in the belly of a big fish. Now God is giving both Nineveh and Jonah a second chance. Jonah goes to Nineveh and warns them of God’s wrath. The people heed his warning and repent. This ticks old Jonah off. He still doesn’t think they deserve to be saved. Jonah still needs another chance.
When we are called by God to persevere in doing good for people who don’t seem to appreciate or even recognize God’s love, maybe we are the ones who need another chance. How many chances do we need to realize that God loves all people, not just the ones we think deserve that love? How many chances do we need to be convinced that God wants all of us to proclaim and spread that love – everywhere and all the time?
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
An experience of revival
1 O for a thousand tongues to sing
my dear Redeemer’s praise,
the glories of my God and King,
the triumphs of his grace!
4 He speaks; and, listening to his voice,
new life the dead receive,
the mournful broken hearts rejoice,
the humble poor believe.
Hymn 493 -- The Hymnal 1982
Today honors Charles and John Wesley as a lesser feast of the church. Although we think of them as founders of the Methodist Church, they were Anglicans until their deaths. The split came later. We have a number of Charles’s hymns in our hymnal, including the one above. John is the one who expressed himself in other ways, including a description of the moment of his spiritual conversion:
"I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone, for salvation; and an assurance was given me that he had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death."
This is when the Methodist revival was born. I pray for moments when my heart is warmed, when I can experience a revival in my faith and ministry – without feeling the need to found a new denomination.
my dear Redeemer’s praise,
the glories of my God and King,
the triumphs of his grace!
4 He speaks; and, listening to his voice,
new life the dead receive,
the mournful broken hearts rejoice,
the humble poor believe.
Hymn 493 -- The Hymnal 1982
Today honors Charles and John Wesley as a lesser feast of the church. Although we think of them as founders of the Methodist Church, they were Anglicans until their deaths. The split came later. We have a number of Charles’s hymns in our hymnal, including the one above. John is the one who expressed himself in other ways, including a description of the moment of his spiritual conversion:
"I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone, for salvation; and an assurance was given me that he had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death."
This is when the Methodist revival was born. I pray for moments when my heart is warmed, when I can experience a revival in my faith and ministry – without feeling the need to found a new denomination.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Revenge not so sweet
Leviticus 19:18 Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.
Most of the time I’m fairly restrained about actually seeking revenge when I feel wronged. I can, however, bear a grudge for a very long time, possibly hoping for indirect revenge. There is a word which has been used in a number of situations lately – schadenfreude – which I think speaks to the desire for indirect revenge. It means taking delight in another’s misfortunes or maybe even suffering. Generally, that delight comes from thinking the other person is finally getting “what you had coming.”
How grateful we should all be that God never delights in our misfortunes and offers us so much more than we having coming. Maybe Lent is a time to examine some of those grudges in order to let go of them and to wish even those who have wronged us the recognition of all that God wants for them.
Most of the time I’m fairly restrained about actually seeking revenge when I feel wronged. I can, however, bear a grudge for a very long time, possibly hoping for indirect revenge. There is a word which has been used in a number of situations lately – schadenfreude – which I think speaks to the desire for indirect revenge. It means taking delight in another’s misfortunes or maybe even suffering. Generally, that delight comes from thinking the other person is finally getting “what you had coming.”
How grateful we should all be that God never delights in our misfortunes and offers us so much more than we having coming. Maybe Lent is a time to examine some of those grudges in order to let go of them and to wish even those who have wronged us the recognition of all that God wants for them.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
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